The good thing is that the producers decided to tell the stories of all girls and not only of the three major ones, which made it more interesting as other series similar to this have the tendency to just focus on the major characters within a series.
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The IDOLM@STER Universe
Back then when they were transforming the IDOLM@STER IP into all sorts of different media, including a Korean drama because why not? The drama itself played out exactly as you may expect and the first episode gave the necessary impression to set the expectations going forward. The cast members consisted mostly of idols so you may expect varied degrees of on-screen presence and performance. The drama explored one of the girls stories every 1-2 episodes but these were extremely predictable and bland, offering no variety, theming or appeal. You would expect this type of show to be much shorter but for some reason they went for full length, I guess they had the IDOLM@STER budget.Was this review helpful to you?
Refreshing, simple, light-hearted, and nothing too serious
I personally really enjoyed this drama. I will admit one of the downfalls is there is a good bit of just filler; where the girls are just kinda talking and giggling and nothing interesting towards the plot. I did skip through some of this. However, I did find some of it nice to watch. Sometimes it's just refreshing to watch a bit of "slice of life" where it's just kind of normal stuff going on.The overall plot is nothing spectacular or new. It is nicely done though.
The acting is good despite most of the cast being rookies and trainees at the time of filming.
I definitely think you should give this drama a chance. Especially if you are looking for something light-hearted and not filled with drama or complicated plot lines to follow.
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The [email protected] (2017) – My Roman Empire of TV Shows
Every so often, a series comes along that etches itself into your mind, refusing to leave even years later. For me, that series is The [email protected] (2017). I watched it when it first aired, and since then, it has become a permanent fixture in my thoughts. There hasn’t been a moment when I wasn’t subconsciously searching for another show that could evoke the same feelings or tap into the same unique blend of genres. But nothing has come close.In short, The [email protected] is my Roman Empire.
A Genre That Stands Alone
The idol genre is not new, especially within East Asian media, but The [email protected] does something remarkable—it blurs the line between fiction and reality in a way that makes the stakes feel authentic. At its core, the series is a blend of drama, music, and slice-of-life storytelling, depicting the trials of a group of young women training to become idols. Unlike other idol-centric shows, it doesn’t rely on exaggerated tropes or manufactured conflict to draw in the audience. Instead, it roots itself in realism, showing the blood, sweat, and tears required to survive in an industry notorious for its pressure and competitiveness.
The fact that the cast consists of real-life trainees and performers adds to this realism. Many of the actors went on to form Real Girls Project after the series aired, making the on-screen performances feel genuine and emotionally charged. This is where The [email protected] sets itself apart: you’re not just watching fictional characters—you’re watching real dreams unfold.
The Music: The Heart and Soul of the Series
The music in The [email protected] isn’t just there for entertainment; it’s a vital part of the narrative. Each song serves a purpose, whether it’s to highlight a character’s emotional growth, emphasise a moment of triumph, or reflect on the challenges of idol life. The soundtrack is diverse, ranging from high-energy anthems to introspective ballads, and every track feels carefully crafted to resonate with both the characters and the audience.
Key Tracks That Leave a Lasting Impact
"Memories"
If there’s one song that defines the emotional core of the series, it’s “Memories.” A bittersweet ballad, this track encapsulates the show’s themes of reflection, perseverance, and the bonds formed through shared experiences. The lyrics speak of cherishing the past while remaining hopeful for the future—a sentiment that mirrors the characters’ journeys as they navigate the ups and downs of their careers.
Emotional Weight: “Memories” often plays during moments of introspection or when the characters face major setbacks. It’s a reminder of how far they’ve come and how much they’ve sacrificed, making it impossible not to feel the weight of their struggles. Even years later, hearing this song brings back a flood of emotions.
"One for All"
This upbeat anthem represents teamwork and unity, two concepts central to the series. Performed during key group moments, it symbolises the importance of relying on one another and working together to achieve a common goal.
Performance Factor: The choreography is vibrant and synchronised, reflecting the idea that success isn’t achieved alone. The energy of this song is infectious, making it a highlight during the series’ performance scenes.
"Dream"
“Dream” is an aspirational track that captures the essence of what it means to chase something seemingly unattainable. The lyrics acknowledge the difficulties of pursuing a dream but emphasise the importance of perseverance.
Emotional Resonance: This song often accompanies pivotal character moments, such as overcoming fears or confronting personal failures. It’s the type of track that stays with you long after the episode ends, acting as a motivational reminder in your own life.
"Accidental Love"
Offering a break from the intense emotional weight of the series, “Accidental Love” is a playful, light-hearted track that adds levity. Its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a fan favourite, perfect for scenes of friendship and camaraderie.
The Unexpected Gem: "Acacia" by Red Queen
Though Acacia by Red Queen isn’t part of the official The [email protected] group, its presence within the show’s larger world feels significant. Acacia is a powerful, haunting track that perfectly encapsulates the struggles of ambition and the emotional toll of constantly striving for perfection.
Lyrical Depth: The lyrics explore themes of longing, regret, and hope—all of which resonate deeply with the characters’ experiences in the show. It’s a song that feels like an anthem for those who have sacrificed everything to follow their dreams, only to face the harsh reality of the entertainment industry.
Musical Style: With its slower tempo and emotionally charged vocals, Acacia stands out as a more reflective and sombre track. It contrasts beautifully with the upbeat, hopeful songs of the main cast, adding another layer of complexity to the overall musical landscape of the series.
Whenever I hear Acacia, it reminds me of the quieter, more introspective side of The [email protected]—the moments when characters question whether their sacrifices are worth it, when dreams feel fragile and distant.
A Cast That Feels Real
One of the reasons The [email protected] is so effective is because of its cast. With many of the actors being real trainees, their performances feel authentic and grounded. You can see their genuine effort and dedication in every scene, from gruelling dance rehearsals to emotional confrontations. Their chemistry as a group is palpable, making it easy to root for them as they navigate the highs and lows of idol life.
Particularly memorable are performances by Sori and Mint, who bring a depth to their characters that feels earned. Their struggles with self-doubt, competitiveness, and camaraderie are relatable, and their growth throughout the series is both satisfying and inspiring.
Why It’s My Roman Empire
The concept of the "Roman Empire" has become a cultural metaphor for something that occupies your thoughts regularly, even subconsciously. For me, The [email protected] is exactly that. It’s not just a show I watched in 2017—it’s a benchmark for everything I look for in a series. Its perfect blend of music, drama, and realism has yet to be replicated, and I find myself constantly revisiting its soundtrack and rewatching key scenes.
What makes this series so impactful is its sincerity. It doesn’t just glamorise the idol lifestyle; it shows the sweat, pain, and emotional turmoil that come with chasing a dream. The music is what ties everything together, acting as a reminder of the characters’ resilience and growth.
Even as I explore new shows and genres, I keep coming back to The [email protected], hoping to find something that can evoke the same emotions. But nothing does.
Final Thoughts
The [email protected] is more than a TV show—it’s an experience. It’s a story about dreams, sacrifices, and the power of perseverance, told through a unique blend of music and narrative. The fact that it hasn’t received widespread recognition feels like an injustice, but perhaps that’s part of its charm. For those of us who have experienced it, it remains a hidden treasure—a series that stays with you, quietly influencing how you see the world.
In the end, much like the Roman Empire, The [email protected] will continue to dominate my thoughts, its music and message echoing through the years. If you haven’t seen it yet, I urge you to give it a chance. Who knows? It might just become your Roman Empire too.
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